Mackinaw residents can now get home delivery

A ban on mailboxes in Mackinaw was repealed Monday, giving residents the option of getting their mail at home instead of paying for boxes at the post office.

The Mackinaw Village Board voted 6-0 to repeal all restrictions that have kept residents from getting mail delivered to their homes for nearly 10 years.

"We’re thrilled," said Mackinaw resident Becky Magarity, who voiced support for the change during Monday’s meeting. "We should have at least one free mode of mail service."

The board voted unanimously Sept. 10 to have village attorney Mark McGrath re-draft the 1998 ordinance, removing all sections that ban the use of mailboxes at individual houses.

Since 1998, residents have had to annually pay for post office boxes and pick up their mail in town at the post office.

A referendum in April’s general election asked residents if they wanted the ban to continue. About 70 percent said they did not. But the referendum was not binding and the Village Board was left with the final say.

"I just want mail," said Mackinaw resident Kay Aldridge. "I don’t want to pay for something I should be getting."

Village Board President Craig Friend has said the original intention behind the ban was to keep children in neighborhoods safe from mail trucks and to prevent excessive wear and tear on city streets.

Residents who have opposed repealing the ban say the mailboxes will make neighborhoods look bad.

McGrath said the only rules for the mailboxes will be those enforced by the U.S. Postal Service, which includes no mailboxes attached to homes. The boxes must be on a post near the curb.

Several board members were concerned about cars parking in front of the boxes and the post office not delivering because there is an obstruction.

Residents are responsible for keeping the boxes clear.

"That’s part of the problem of having a mailbox there," Friend said.

Kevin Sampier can be reached at (309) 346-5300 or ksampier@pjstar.com.